Progress on two in-the-works coffee shops within a mile of each other on Delridge: First, the coffee-shop-in-progress at 5605 Delridge now has a name on its awning – “Pacino’s Coffee.” Second, at 4800 Delridge, exterior work is mostly done (photo below) at the sister shop to Bubbles on Alki; a WSB reader tells us she stopped in recently and heard they hope to open by month’s end, offering savory treats (crepes, sandwiches) as well as coffee & bubble tea.
Sounds like the 5605 shop is the “coffee lady” expanding her walk-up business into a full-blown shop. If so, I’m happy for her – I remember when she expanded from a tiny cramped shack into…well, a less-tiny, not-so-cramped shack.
Bubbles may be a bit of competition, but the ‘ridge isn’t exactly a walking neighborhood yet, and if I’m gonna drive to coffee it’s gonna be Uptown every time.
It’ll be interesting to see if more retail businesses can come in and make Delridge a more hospitable neighborhood, now that the housing is coming around. Maybe we could even tear down the Exxon station and put in something that doesn’t rely on malt-liquor sales for its revenues…
As the area changes, market forces will dictate what the owner of that store decides to stock their shelves with.
Perhaps you might ask the owner to stock things that are more to your liking?
Personally, I have no probs with what they sell.
Oh, and try walking Delridge..it’s perfectly safe to do so; even at night.
I hope you’re right, Mani, but as a resident of the area I’m still not comfortable with some of the characters around. May the improvements continue …
I’m born and raised in the Central Area (CD) and have watched with astonishment at the improvements made there. The flip side of these improvements are tangible to me and many I grew up with. I can’t begin to describe the feeling of walking the streets you grew up on be looked at with suspicion by the new residents. I’m sensing that many of the law-abiding, yet unpolished residents of Delridge feel similar as I do when returning to the CD.
Everyone has the right to feel safe when walking down the street, that much I agree on.
“Perhaps you might ask the owner to stock things that are more to your liking?”
No, I’d like the owner to stock things that don’t attract crime and trash.
Sounds like you’ve been reading some Ayn Rand. Well, like Ayn, “market forces” are A-OK with me, as long as the choices a business makes don’t negatively infringe on the community around it.
For those residing in North Delridge and desire to get involved in neighborhood issues, solutions and fun times, please come to the monthly North Delridge Neighborhood Council meetings at the Delridge Library. We meet the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30 – 7:45. BTW – The NDNC is having its next Adopt-A-Street litter pick-up along Delridge Way this coming Saturday June 9th from 10-1. We’ll follow that up with a potluck-in-the-park at the new Cottage Grove Park at 5200 Delridge Way. Come on out North Delridger’s!
I wouldn’t walk/drive OR take the bus to the new Bubbles on Delridge if they were GIVING AWAY coffee/espresso/tea day or night. Wonder how long before someone is assaulted or robbed? Nice try sprucing up the neighborhood…better call might be to get that God-awful pawn place/”secondhand” shop across from the Delridge library off the map.
Hey Westseattlelite, try on this memorable quote from Donald Sutherland who played Oddball in that hilarious WWII movie from 1970, Kelly’s Heroes:
Oddball: Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?
Moriarty: Crap!
Oddball: Crazy! I mean like so many positive waves maybe we can’t lose! You’re on!
Mani, you can walk pretty much anywhere safely as long as you carry a 9mm and an 8 inch blade.
You’ve got to be kidding me if you don’t think Delridge is full of crime.
Wow — I’m starting to think one of the things that makes Delridge so nice to us people “in the know” is that several people who have posted here won’t go there ;)
For everyone that is bashing Delridge…get a clue. I live and work in North Admiral and have a drug dealer running the equivalent of drive-thru service right next door! There is a shotgun on site (I’ve been told) and the police haven’t done anything, so far. There is nothing wrong with Delridge and I think it’s fantastic that new businesses are opening and I hope they make it. Try being a part of the positive energy in your community instead of making ridiculous commentary.
I second TS’s post. I’ve lived in north Delridge for three years, and the “crime” I’ve witnessed is primarily bored school kids who like petty crime (and/or attempting to steal my Honda — but my Honda had it far worse in lower Queen Anne). Since moving to the area, the Cooper School has morphed into the Youngstown Arts Center, P-Patch and Cottage Grove Park have gone up, Longfellow trail got signage/maintenance, and now we’re getting better services. When I bought in ’04 I got a lot of flack from a few friends, and now those same people say they wish they’d done the same. Sure, there’s a crazy lady down the alley from me and such, but hey, I used to live in NYC. Petty crime and people who need better meds and occasional smashed car window are not “robbery and assault” outside a coffee shop. Go DNDA!
Delridge Gal, I’m with you. I’m so glad to see what they’re doing in the North Delridge area. I haven’t been to the Youngstown Arts Center yet, but they seem determined to give back to the community…good on them. Yes…you were smart to buy there…it’s the next up and coming area, with White Center not too far behind :)
Thanks Mike Dady for the info. My husband and I are planning to attend the meeting tomorrow night and also participating in the litter pick-up this weekend. :)
It’s great news that Bubbles is expanding its business. Coming from SoCal, I’ve tried pretty much every brand of bubble tea, and Bubbles on Alki wins my vote hands-down.
Also, Delridge may look old, but in the last few years, it’s really undergone a lot of improvements. Besides, you shouldn’t walk alone at night in ANY city.
Sorry, comment time is over.
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